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Fieldnotes by jimit

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Danebury Long Barrows

A group of 4 (?) Long Barrows close to Danebury, which they pre-date.

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=51.137338&lon=-1.537666&z=15.1&r=0&src=2

Using the above, the northerly couple can be seen clearly. There is said to be another at SU323387 (Tumulus on OS) to the E in the corner of the right hand field above the farm sheds. The LB/Bowl Barrow can be seen by the Y junction to the E of Danebury as a black clump of trees by the road.

It's interesting that the N group are orientated ESE and the others ENE.

Coldrum (Long Barrow)

Decided to "do" the Medway sites on the spur of the moment and didn't have a chance to consult this site so my impressions were uncoloured.
After Kit's Coty and The circular stones of Addington and The Chestnuts (Don't forget to book on 01732 840220) we happened upon Coldrum.
Wow! What a site. I don't know if it was the weather, still and brilliant winter sun, the general neatness of the site, the position or the fantastic stones.
After negotiating the steepish path to the bottom with my 87yr old mother, I was more concerned with getting her over the stile and up the steps than looking around. My first impressions then were of the "cloutie" tree, then the recumbent stones, then the upright chamber with the lovely views of the North Downs and the valley beyond.
I was struck with the difference in colour when the stones were either sunlit or in shadow, a warm honey or a steely blue.
The fencing around the site was not the horrible railings that close off Kit's Coty but seemed to say "Respect this place" so didn't feel too guilty about hopping over to take pics.
When I got to the chamber I was astounded to find myself on top of a cliff with the obvious remains of the rest of the tomb lying below. Squeezing in, I wondered what it might be like on a March morning with the rising sunlight flooding it as Wayland has mentioned below. Explored the rest of the site including the informative 're-construction' plaque. I have never come across a square LB before, is it unique?
The whole site was graffiti free although the fire pit noted by others is still a grass free area.

A magical site. I'd have loved to have spent much more time here, another day for sure.

P.S. Difficult not to post duplicate pics of the site but the stones change in character with the light and season.

P.P.S. Check out the marvellous pub in the village (See facilities) where the locals told me the name is pronounced 'Trosley' with a long 'o'.

Access Small carpark then gentle track down, short steeper track up on grass.
For those with mobility problems, instead of taking the last steep track down, the top of the site can be accessed by walking around the edge of the open field.

Cheriton Long Barrow

Not a great deal to see but prettily sited above the source of the River Itchen.
One of those rather ignored, but still quite rare, long barrows in Hampshire. This, as many, could be under threat by the plough but the farmer seems to be giving it a fairly wide berth.

Access Parking MAY be possible at the cottage to the SE. Up track to stile and footpath leads close to barrow.

Cheriton Church Mound (Christianised Site)

The church of St Michael was built on top of a large mound, probably in the 13C. The mound is obviously artificial as the site is on the flood plain of the River Itchen and close to its source. It looks like a classic round barrow to me although for obvious reasons the church and graveyard have obliterated any subtle details which could date it.
As is usual, photos can't give an impression of the height but the top of the mound is nearly level with the eaves of the local cottages.
The "Wayfarers Walk" (Hants County Recreation) says that "...the medieval building has endured much restoration work due to continual structural failure".
Revenge of the older Gods?
Hampshire Treasures suggest that the mound is "Celtic", what ever that might mean.

Withering Corner Barrows. (Barrow / Cairn Cemetery)

A bit of an oddity as for many years they were considered to be long barrows, and still are by Hampshire Treasures.
The confusion arose because the most prominent group consists of two bowl barrows and a twin bowl barrow surrounded by a common ditch, all on a NE/SW alignment about 150M long.
There is another twin bowl barrow and a rare saucer barrow near by and a further two bowl barrows to the W.
Conjoint barrows surrounded by a single ditch are comparatively rare.

Could one speculate that these marked the burial of several family/tribe/clan members who died at the same time?

(The "Earthwork" shown to the N is an IA univallate Hill Fort)

Access
Gentle gradients on good tracks from car park but drops steeply near barrows.
Area fenced off but access possible at bottom of field through a "Hampshire Gate".
Area popular with walkers as the whole of Hampshire and the IOW can be seen from the track, especially at the Monument.

Dumpdon Hill (Hillfort)

EXTRACT FROM ENGLISH HERITAGE'S RECORD OF SCHEDULED MONUMENTS
MONUMENT: Dumpdon Camp
The monument includes Dumpdon Camp, a prehistoric hillfort located on a
detached hill, 260m high, at the southern end of a steep-sided ridge of Upper
Greensand between the River Otter and the Luppitt Brook. The flat topped and
triangular shaped hillfort of 2.6ha was defended by two substantial ramparts
and ditches on the northern side, controlling the only easy line of approach,
and by single ramparts on the east and west sides. A single inturned entrance
on the north east side provided the only known point of entry.
The layout of the defences largely reflects the configuration of the hilltop
which is flattest and widest towards its northern end, narrowing down to a
steep sided point at its southern end. The northern approach required the
strongest artificial protection and here the defences were bivallate with a
berm 30m wide separating two ramparts and their accompanying ditches. The
inner rampart is on average 1.3m in height on the interior with an average
width of 4.5m. It has a depth on the outer slope of 8.3m and is fronted by a
ditch which is mostly filled and waterlogged but which has an average width of
4.7m. The outer rampart is on average 1.2m in height and 3.1m in width. It is
fronted by a well defined ditch which has an average width of 3.5m and in
places is up to 1.35m deep. The remaining two sides of the monument were
defended along part of their length by a single rampart and a single ditch of
much smaller dimensions than those on the northern side and with a small
counterscarp bank on the outer side of the ditch. Controlled excavations have
demonstrated that the base of the eastern rampart was constructed of sizeable
chert blocks forming a wall 2.15m wide and 0.4m high; it was noted in the same
excavation report that the unexcavated western rampart becomes less distinct
and breaks up into a series of small dumps. It has been suggested by the
excavator, Professor Todd, that the defences were never completed and that
only the rampart base was constructed along part of the western and eastern
sides before work ceased. The fading out of the defensive ditch at about the
same place as the rampart base on both sides of the monument would support
this view. The hillfort was however provided with a single 20m long inturned
entrance close to the north east angle; this comprised a 7m wide causeway
flanked by low banks between the ditch ends. The thickened end of the southern
rampart may have been intended as a fighting platform covering the approach in
front of the gate. A gap in the northern defences is considered to be modern.
The interior of the hillfort is featureless and limited excavations in the
interior have revealed no signs of occupation. The suggestion is that Dumpdon
hillfort was neither finished nor fully occupied.

Kenward Stone (Carving)

Managed to find this stone at last having looked in the wrong place before. My thanks to Prof. Caroline Tisdall of the Conholt Park Estate for pointing me in the right direction.

What a very odd stone. The markings are shallower than I expected but quite obvious. The most prominent features are the 5 or more grooves which describe a very regular arc. Tracing it out, my fingers fitted perfectly. From the top of the arc the grooves split off at an angle and are straight but less well defined. There are other ill-defined marks but I didn't want to remove the moss which was obscuring them. The "frame" at top of the stone is also a curious feature but has a "natural" feel to it.

What is one to make of this stone?

The geologists who looked at it in the 1920s rather sniffily dismissed the marks as natural but I'm not so sure. I've seen a fair number of sarsens but this is the first time that I've come across anything that looked like this.

When I was there (21.11.04) the light was not the best for seeing the marks as there was thick fog. It needs a good photographer with lights to bring out the details.

Bury Hill (Hillfort)

This is the most northerly of the series of Iron Age forts in this area, Danebury, Norsebury, Woolbury, that line the River Test.
The original slight univallate fort was later strengthened and given another entrance.
The banks and the ditch are in a fine state of preservation although fairly heavily wooded, the centre is grazed and private.
The site was used well into the Roman period and in the Battle of Andover in 1016 (King Canute v Edmond Ironside) it was used as Canute's camp.

Access Parking available close to S. entrance, level, short walk to kissing gate. Parts of level inner walk have many tree roots and the ditch bottom can be rutted and wet.

Tidcombe Long Barrow

It's a pity that the local villagers trashed this barrow in 1750 when they completely removed the middle in a fruitless(?) search for grave goods. It sits on a fine spur overlooking the Vale of Pewsey and is surrounded by a multitude of linear banks and ditches and early field systems. From the link below it is not clear when the 10ft high Sarsens at the entrance were removed, they would have been a grand sight.

Access Close to road and field gate, rough pasture.

Kenward Stone (Carving)

I have provisionally posted this as a carved stone although the last time it was really looked at, in the 1920s, the general concensus was that the marks were natural. However I have not seen marks in Sarsen that look quite like these. People with more experience of rock art than I may have other opinions.
If the marks are truly man-made they are rare in this part of the country.
The picture quality is explained in the caption.

Access
Park on verge at T junction, cross road to field gate and the stone is in the hollow to your right about 50M away. Tussocky grass.

(The hollow in which it lies is one of the quarry pits used by the Romans to construct the Chute Causeway, a diversion on the Winchester-Cirencester road to avoid the steep valley to the North)

Abinger Manor (Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork)

A rare and curious example of a preserved excavation of a Mesolithic dwelling.
The site was discovered in the late 1940s by Sir E. Beddington Behrens who noticed the existence of flint flakes, tools and weapons dating to the Mesolithic Era. It was excavated and preserved by Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey of Olduvai Gorge fame in Dec. 1950. Hearths and post-holes found suggest that it was a temporary hunting camp.

A small museum, which covers the site has more information and a selection of artifacts.

Access
The site is on private land and the key to the Museum is held at Manor Farm. Local schools occasionally visit in pre-booked parties but for individual trips it is better to contact the landowner on 01306 730760.
The site is either accessible from Manor Farm, across fields, or from a field gate near the bottom of the hill.

Stonor Park (Stone Circle)

Having at last re-visited this site (see notes below) I am very confused. Its position in the park is very beautiful and tranquil, only the occasional car passing. The circle itself is mainly composed of the generic Sarsens but a curious extension to the N is made from conglomerate including the tallest stone at the termination.
There is a small double concentric prone circle somewhat N of centre of the main circle. Some of the stones are upright, some leaning and some prone. In the valley, apart from some used as road markers, there are several erect stones seemingly randomly placed.
How much of it is authentic? My own thoughts are that the circle itself "feels" right but the odd N extension looks as though an antiquarian has though to make a faux passage grave and while he was at it put a ruined cist in the circle for good measure!
The etymology for "Stonor" is, not surprisingly, "stone hill".
This pretty circle needs more people to visit it, someone with more experience than me would be a start!

Duck's Nest (Long Barrow)

When Hampshire Treasures describe this as "overgrown" they're not joking! The site of the barrow is easily seen from the road as it is crowned by Yew trees.Closer to, it seems to be surrounded by a very overgrown hedge but after struggling through this it becomes apparent that it is Ivy clad scrub growing on the outside and partly down the very well defined ditches. The barrow itself is the shortest "Long" barrow I've seen and has a very dumpy appearance, however its actual outline is difficult to determine as the Yews are falling over, re-layering and/or rotting and there are huge mounds of fresh chalk everywhere caused by active badger setts. The ditches are heavily weed infested and a winter visit left me picking burrs out of my clothes for some time.
What does one do about a site like this? Clear it of the untidy scrub and dead trees and restore it to some of the majesty it had when first constructed or leave it to gently decay and remain the undoubted wild-life sanctuary it surely has become?

Disabled: Parking on small verge just off the road. Walk up-hill on very deeply rutted track (Much used by off-roaders while I was there), locked farm gate, ploughed field, many brambles and much scrub and uneven ground.

Grans Barrow (Long Barrow)

A really impressive barrow indeed. While not as long as Knap Barrow next door, it is much higher and quite overwhelms close to. Very well preserved with a remarkably smooth outline like a large whale breaking the surface. Interesting that its orientation is almost at right-angles to its companion. Mostly clear of scrub growth although it is encroaching from the north.
Disabled: As Knap although both would be accessible by a 4x4. Open farm gate.

Sarsen Stone (Martin) (Standing Stone / Menhir)

A unassuming little stone just over a metre high marking the tip of a point where the Wilts boundary takes dog-tooth shaped bite out of Hants. Grim's Ditch1 mile to the NE points directly to this stone but to the NW seems to want nothing to do with it. Marked with an Ordnance Survey carving and accompanied by a small Victorian concrete boundary (?) post. The stone itself seems to be of the generic "Sarsen" type so was probably moved some distance.

Disabled: Approach by car along a flat, slightly rutted track (care in very wet weather) and park next to stone on grassy triangle without blocking the tracks. Access to Grans Barrow and Knap Barrow is best attempted from here for the more mobile.

Knap Barrow (Long Barrow)

This has several similarities to the West Kennet Long Barrow. For a start, a slow climb up the hill with the barrow invisible until the last moment, then its length is comparable, being only a few metres shorter and its orientation as (very!) roughly E/W. No stones unfortunately, only a little Victorian concrete post at the E end. The condition is good with none of the mutilation seen at the WKLB evident. Only one worry is that the track to the S. beloved of off-roaders, is not fenced off and is perilously close. A small amount of scrub clearance at the W end would be an improvement. Wide views to the N and prominent tumuli on the skyline to the S. Grans Barrow is very close by. A fine and well preserved site but very exposed in winter gales as I found out!

Disabled: Longish walk up hill in rutted and grassy track if approaching from the Sarsen stone. Note.. Take the left track of the two going south.

Stonor Park (Stone Circle)

".......As for this site (PRN 2064), we have recorded it as a folly on the SMR. A primary source is the Country Life article, May 7, 1981. Apparently the chapel was built over the original site of the circle; the circle was first reconstructed in C17. Re-erected in 1981 "as near as possible in its original formation." There are additional sources within the SMR which you are welcome to consult during opening hours by appointment."

County Sites and Monuments Record Officer
Central Library, Westgate
Oxford OX1 1DJ
01865 810825

Does this site now class as a modern folly, a very curious C17 re-working of a Neolithic site or a semi-faithful reconstruction of a destroyed monument?

I can only leave it to the Eds to decide whether this should remain on TMA. My own feeling is that it should remain if only to show the curious cheek by jowl jostling of different beliefs.
One wonders whether they would allow a Druid ceremony to be held there...........?

Ashbrittle Yew (Round Barrow(s))

Barrow-like mound surmounted by a yew tree at ST052214. {1}

The mound is circular, although slightly truncated at its N side. E-W diameter is 9m, N-S diameter 7m and c1.25m high. The centre of the mound is about 17m due S of the E wall of the chancel. It is crowned by a massive yew stool with a number of trunks and is clearly very old. {2}

NGR should be ST052213. {3}

Very doubtful. {4}

References:
1 Mention - Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeology and Natural History Society Aston, M 1976 "Somerset Archaeology 1974-5" vol 120, 71
2 Personal communication - Burrow, I SCPD 07.03.84
3 Detailed records - Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division 1976 ST02SE(M) SCPD
4 Mention - Quinell, NV quoted in Grinsell, LV "Somerset Barrows: revisions 1971-87" Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeology and Natural History Society 131 (1987), 22.

Record created by:
Ian Burrow in March 1984

© Copyright Somerset County Council 2003

The authenticity of the mound as a barrow is in question.
With thanks to the Somerset Museums Service for their help.

Gorsey Bigbury (Henge)

Class 1 henge monument of single causeway type consisting of a circular rock-cut ditch with an external rampart of earth and stones, enclosing a flat central area without any form of upright. The causeway is to the N. The ditch varied in width from 12ft to 21ft and 4-9ft deep. The NE and SW segments yielded evidence of Beaker occupation. This was separated from the ditch bottom by a barren yellow clay silt layer. In two places a platform of closely packed stones was interposed between the clay and beaker deposit, which consisted of dirty rubble, charcoal, hearths etc. Finds from this deposit included 4,000 flint flakes and implements, pottery of A-C beaker type (including rusticated ware) representing at least 100+ beakers, a few sherds of Neolithic "B" ware and large quantities of animal bones, mainly domestic. No evidence was found of stone or post holes, walling or any other structural remains. Two hypotheses can be suggested - the monument may be attributed to the grooved ware or "B" beaker group, or the A.C. beaker folk for whom the ditch held no significance. {1}

The beaker burial and occupation deposits had radio-carbon date centring on 1900-1700bc. {6}

The henge is set on a gentle E-facing slope to the W of Long Wood, in improved pasture. Condition is generally good except for three hawthorn trees growing in the ditch. {7}

The majority of the archives and finds were destroyed in the Second World War. {8}

The monument is in a generally satisfactory condition with no evidence of damage by grazing cattle. {9}

References:
1 Excavation report - PUBSS Jones, S.J 1935 "...Excavations at Gorsey Bigbury..." vol. 4(3), 174-8
2 Excavation report - PUBSS Jones, S.J et al 1938 "The Excavation of Gorsey Bigbury" vol. 5(1), 3-56
3 Excavation report - PUBSS ApSimon A.M 1951 "Gorsey Bigbury: The Second Report" vol. 6(2), 186-200
4 Detailed records - Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division 1966 ST45NE15 SCPD
5 Excavation report - PUBSS Tratman, E.K 1966 "Gorsey Bigbury...Third Report" vol. 11, 25-30
6 Description - PUBSS ApSimon A.M 1976 "Gorsey Bigbury...dating..." vol. 14(2), 155-183
7 Personal communication - Burrow, I SCPD (13.09.82)
8 Archive - UBSSM
9 Detailed records - Field Monument Warden's report (22.4.1998) in HER files

Record created by:
Ian Burrow in September 1982

© Copyright Somerset County Council 2003

(Edited) With thanks to the Somerset Museums Service for their help.

Stonor Park (Stone Circle)

"The stone circle is of comparatively recent construction, but of stones found in the vicinity which correspond in type to a cornerstone underpinning the medieval chapel here. By implication these stones were part of a much older pre-Christian circle which was located where the Chapel now is. As you know it was frequently the habit in medieval time to "claim" a pagan circle for Christianity by including a stone in the foundations for the new christian chapel."....."Stones have been re-located here in the last 30 years or so, I believe"

With many thanks to John Weaver, Administrator of the Stonor Estate for these observations.

The Estate re-opens in the Spring so any investigations as to stone type and source must wait till then.

http://www.stonor.com/
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The pic should be interpreted correctly!!! It's a game played in our local to show how experienced cavers, myself included, can crawl through tight spaces. As the pub has a distinct lack of thick limestone in it, bar stools have to do. Honest.....
TMA re-kindled my interest in ancient history when I got my first PC and went on line early in 2002.
Other interests; architecture, natural history ( I'm a Landscape Gardener), parachuting (I used to be an instructor), and chatting in pubs.

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